Messenger (Facebook Messenger) 71.0

Facebook friends only one step away

Facebook Messenger is a stand-alone app that allows you to chat with your Facebook friends and send SMS and text messages to any contact on your phone. The application also allows you to make free calls to other Messenger users.

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Softonic review

By Christopher Park

Very good

8

Facebook Messenger is a stand-alone app that allows you to chat with your Facebook friends and send SMS and text messages to any contact on your phone. The application also allows you to make free calls to other Messenger users.

Communicate with everyone

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Messenger combines friends and mobile contacts to allow for group messages, along with location-based functionality.

Since Messenger is focused on messaging, the app may seem a bit simplistic. It functions like other communication apps though, with the addition of location services. The group chat combines multiple users together and allows for messages to be collated in one window.

If you have SMS enabled, you can also use Messenger to talk with phone contacts. The application allows you to send messages to any contact in your phone, not just your Facebook friends. Facebook contacts show up with a blue bubble and SMS messages show in green. When you are finished communicating, you just swipe the icon down and remove the notification from your screen.

Messenger supports stickers, including a decent range of default stickers, plus the opportunity to purchase new stickers through the store in order to brighten up your conversations.

Messenger lets you make free voice and video calls through the app. Calls are free over WiFi, but if you're using a mobile data connection you'll need to pay the standard charges.

There is also a fun feature for shooting short video messages. From within the app you can capture and play 15-second videos from your device's camera and share them with your friends in the chat. Another feature is that you can share photos, videos, and links directly with Messenger.

Facebook has opened the platform to allow developers to integrate with other apps. Now you can send GIFS, videos, and photos from other apps in Messenger. If you need some suggestions, check out the Best Facebook Messenger apps.

Simple to use thanks to Chat Heads

The interface is simple to use is and the various features are neatly laid out for you. It's very easy to see who is online and get instant notifications of when someone has sent you a message.

The design of the Facebook user interface is clean and tidy. The blue of the menu icons and green of the alert messages stand out clearly against the app's white background and this understated look gives greater presence to the conversations themselves.

Apple Watch owners receive some extra functionality with the Messenger app, with the option to get voice clips, Likes, stickers, and other notifications delivered straight to your wrist. Similarly, iPad owners can now use Messenger with the tablet's multi-tasking function.

Could be redundant

Messenger isn't a real alternative chat app since it's limited to Facebook or phone contacts. But with so many people using Facebook, this may be the best way to talk with international friends. The official Facebook app also has chat so Messenger may be an extra app you don't need anymore.

Author's review

Instantly reach the people in your life for free

Messenger is just like texting, but you don't have to pay for every message (it works with your data plan).

Not just for Facebook friends: Message people in your phone book and just enter a phone number to add a new contact.

Group chats: Create groups for the people you message most. Name them, set group photos and keep them all in one place.

Photos and videos: Shoot videos and snap selfies or other photos right from the app and send them with one tap.

Free calls: Talk as long as you want, even with people in other countries. (Calls are free over Wi-Fi. Otherwise, standard data charges apply.)

Even more ways to message: Bring your conversations to life with stickers. Preview your camera roll photos and videos without leaving the conversation--then choose the perfect ones to send.Record voice messages when you have more to say.

Extra features:Know when people have seen your messages.Forward messages or photos to people who weren't in the conversation.Search for people and groups to quickly get back to them.Turn on location to let people know when you're nearby.See who's available on Messenger and who's active on Facebook. Turn off notifications when you're working, sleeping or just need a break.Stay logged in so you never miss a message.